The Certificate of Completion Dental Assisting is a three-term certificate that prepares students to meet the requirements to become a dental assistant with expanded functions (EFDA). Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exams: National Entry-Level Dental Assisting (NELDA) exam, the Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) exam, and the Infection Control Exam (ICE). The curriculum is based on general dentistry. Students are trained in four-handed chairside assisting techniques to work with general dentists during all phases of examination and treatment. Students also gain experience in the administrative aspects of dentistry such as scheduling, patient communication, charting and billing. Curriculum is derived from identified learning outcomes relevant to the discipline. Click here to view more information about the Nursing & Allied Health program.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process. 

Student entering this program must obtain certification through the American Heart Association in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as per the Oregon Health Authority requirements (Chapter 409, Division 30  https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayChapterRules.action?selectedChapter=34). Additionally, specific immunizations, drug screening, and background checks are required.

For more information contact the administrative assistant in Sumner Hall, Rm 4, 541-888-7443, or the director at 541-888-7298. Click here to view more information about the Nursing & Allied Health programs.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.

Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Dental Assisting can be found online at https://www.socc.edu/images/ge/dental.html.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 52 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion is awarded.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of dental instruments and terminology.
• Demonstrate general chairside skills.
• Demonstrate radiographic proficiency.
• Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical issues in dentistry.
• Demonstrate proficiency in infection control techniques.
• Demonstrate occupational safety skills.
• Demonstrate patient education and management skills.
• Demonstrate administrative office skills.
• Demonstrate laboratory skills.

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MTH20	Basic Mathematics (or placement in higher math course)	4
WR90R	Academic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course)	4
HE252	First Aid & CPR Professional Rescue (or have equivalent certification)	3

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
AH111	Medical Terminology I	3
DEN101	Dental Assisting I 1,3	4
DEN102	Infection Control	2
DEN103	Introduction to Dental Assisting Seminar	1
DEN114	Dental Admin & Legal and Ethical	4
WR115	Fundamentals of Report Writing 2	3
	Credits	17
Winter
DEN104	Dental & Medical Emergency Mngmt	2
DEN105	Dental Materials	2
DEN107	Practicum in Dental Assisting I 1	4
DEN110	Dental Radiology	4
MTH60	Algebra I 4	4
DEN280	CWE: Dental Assisting	2
	Credits	18
Spring
DEN109	Dental Assisting II 1	4
DEN111	Practicum in Dental Assisting II	4
DEN112	Chairside Assisting	2
DEN113	Expanded Functions Dental Assistant	2
DEN280	CWE: Dental Assisting 1	2
BA285	Human Relations in Organizations	3
	Credits	17
	Total Credits	52

1	This course has Oregon Health Authority requirements, (Chapter 409, Division 30  https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/displayChapterRules.action?selectedChapter=34) such as immunizations, drug screen, criminal background check, American Heart Association CPR/BLS card, OSHA/HIPAA trainings, program policies, etc. Students must meet the Oregon Health Authority requirement before they can register for DEN101, DEN107, DEN111, and DEN280.
2	WR121, WR122, WR123, or WR227 may be substituted for WR115.
3	Students are require to obtain an American Heart Association BLS CPR/First Aid certification or equivalent before students can to register for DEN 101. For more information, contact the Administrative Assistant, Sumner Hall, room 4, 541-888-7443, or at jstalcup@socc.edu. Information about the Dental Assisting Program (https://www.socc.edu/allied-health) may also be obtained online.
4	MTH65, MTH95, or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted for MTH60.
*	All Honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirements.